Follow this guide to make sure your Mac's Ethernet port is enabled. Note that this feature should already be enabled by default.
The Ethernet port must be enabled in order for you to connect your router to your Mac via the yellow Ethernet cable. If you plan on connecting wirelessly via AirPort, it is not strictly necessary to enable the Ethernet port.
1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences….
2. Click Network.
3. Look for Ethernet on the left-hand side. If it is present, the Ethernet port should already be enabled, and you won't need to follow the steps below.
4. Click the + symbol at the bottom to add the Ethernet interface.
5. Select Ethernet from the Interface drop-down menu. The Service Nameshould automatically be set to Ethernet. Click Create.
6. The Ethernet interface should now appear in the list on the left-hand side. The Ethernet interface will show a red spot when the router is switched off, or if it is not connected to the Mac via the yellow Ethernet cable.
The Ethernet interface should show agreen spot when the router is switched on and connected to the Mac via the yellow Ethernet cable. (The spot will briefly go amber before turning green.)
How to enable the Ethernet port in Mac OS X
Follow this guide to make sure your Mac's Ethernet port is enabled. Note that this feature should already be enabled by default.
The Ethernet port must be enabled in order for you to connect your router to your Mac via the yellow Ethernet cable. If you plan on connecting wirelessly via AirPort, it is not strictly necessary to enable the Ethernet port.
1. Go to the Apple menu and select System Preferences….
2. Click Network.
3. Look for Ethernet on the left-hand side. If it is present, the Ethernet port should already be enabled, and you won't need to follow the steps below.
4. Click the + symbol at the bottom to add the Ethernet interface.
5. Select Ethernet from the Interface drop-down menu. The Service Nameshould automatically be set to Ethernet. Click Create.
6. The Ethernet interface should now appear in the list on the left-hand side.